The unique surface plasmon resonance of hollow gold nanoshells can be used to achieve drug release from liposomes upon laser stimulation, and adapted to mimic the intricate dynamics of neurotransmission ex vivo in brain preparations. However, to induce a physiological response in vivo requires the degree of temporal precision afforded by laser stimulation, but with a greater depth of penetration through tissue. Here we report that the attachment of hollow gold nanoshells to the surface of robust liposomes results in a construct that is highly sensitive to ultrasonic stimulation. The resulting construct can be remotely triggered by low intensity, therapeutic ultrasound. To our knowledge, this is the first example of nanoparticle-liposome system that can be activated by both laser and acoustic stimulation. The system is capable of encapsulating the neurochemical dopamine, and repeatedly releasing small amounts on-demand in a circulating environment, allowing for precise spatiotemporal control over the release profile.

中空金纳米壳的独特表面等离振子共振可用于在激光刺激下实现从脂质体释放药物，并适于模拟脑制备物中离体神经传递的复杂动力学。但是，要在体内诱导生理反应需要激光刺激所提供的时间精确度，但是具有更大的穿透组织深度。在这里我们报告中空金纳米壳附着到坚固的脂质体的表面会导致对超声刺激高度敏感的构造。可以通过低强度的治疗性超声波远程触发生成的构建体。据我们所知，这是纳米粒子-脂质体系统的第一个示例，可以通过激光和声学刺激来激活。该系统能够封装神经化学多巴胺，并在循环环境中按需重复释放少量，从而可以精确地控制时空。